The Great Reed Warbler 

 THE GREAT REED WARBLER 



Acrocephalus turdoides (Meyer) 



Although common on the neighbouring shores of the 

 Continent, this species has occurred here very seldom. It is 

 abundant throughout Europe in summer as far north as the 

 southern shores of the Baltic, and nests commonly in France, 

 Holland, and Belgium. It inhabits reed-beds or thick cover 

 near the margins of streams, ditches, and ponds. It does 

 not skulk like the Eeed Warbler, but, on the contrary, is 

 always sitting on the top of the tallest reeds and flying 

 about from one clump to another. 



The upper parts are warm olive brown, with light margins 

 to the wing and tail feathers. There is a dull whitish streak 

 from the bill over each eye. The under parts are buff ; chin 

 and belly whitish. Length 7*8 in. ; wing 3 '7 5 in. 



It has been taken only in the South and East of England. 



SEDGE WARBLER 



Acrocephalus phragmitis (Bechstein) 



The presence of a human being seems to spur this 

 delicate species to song, for if, when strolling near some 

 river or pond towards the end of April, we inadvertently 

 pass this little songster, he will at once burst forth with his 

 noisy chattering notes, as though loudly protesting against 

 this unseemly invasion into his privacy. He is by no 



63 



